Officer Suicide Lesson Plan Instructor Guidenmlea.dps.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Block-3/... · Officer Suicide Lesson Plan Instructor Guide . Suicide Instructor Guide

Suicide Instructor Guide Topic NMDPS Accreditation Number ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ New Mexico Department Page: 1 of 28 Of Public Safety

Officer Suicide Lesson Plan

Instructor Guide



COURSE TITLE: Suicide INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS: This course will assist the student in identifying signs of a

suicidal person. This course will provide the student with techniques to response

to a suicide attempt. This course will provide the student with techniques to approach

and/or calm a person who may attempt suicide. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this block of instruction the participant will be able to: 1. Define the term suicide.

2. Identify the physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional

signs associated with suicide.

3. Identify warning signs of suicide.

4. Respond to a suicide attempt and techniques to approach a person who may attempt suicide.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Lecture, PowerPoint presentation, visual/audio aides,

discussion.

HANDOUTS: None COURSE DURATION: 1 hour CURRICULUM REFERENCES: Power Point Rio Rancho Police Department



SAFETY CONSIDERATION: None EQUIPMENT, PERSONNEL, AND SUPPLIES NEEDED: COMPUTER, AUDIO/VISUAL AIDES TARGET AUDIENCE: NEW MEXICO LAW ENFORCEMENT CADETS AND

RECRUITS COURSE PREREQUISITES: NONE INSTRUCTOR CERT.: GENERAL POLICE INSTRUCTOR RATIO: 1/40 EVALUATION STRATEGY: BLOCK TEST AUTHOR & ORIGINATION DATE: NMDPS TRD Basic Bureau 01/02/14 REVISION / REVIEW DATE(S): REVISED / REVIEWED BY: COURSE OUTLINE: Outline of course listing topic and sub-topics in standard outline

format ie: I. Content Heading A. Main content topic

1. Content sub-topic



ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR NOTES

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COURSE CONTENT:

Introduction to Suicide

Introduction to Suicide

Definition

Suicide is the killing of one’s self. It is a

voluntary and intentional destruction.• At one time suicide was considered a felony by common law

and was punished by shameful burial and forfeiture of

goods.

• An attempted suicide was considered a misdemeanor by

common law.

• Under New Mexico State Statute there are no specific

provision’s that have been made for the punishment of

suicide or attempted suicide. It is however a crime to cause

or aid in a suicide. NMSA 30-??-??

w Definition w Suicide is the killing of one’s self. It is a voluntary and

intentional destruction. • At one time suicide was considered a felony by

common law and was punished by shameful burial and forfeiture of goods.

• An attempted suicide was considered a misdemeanor by common law.

• Under New Mexico State Statute there are no specific provision’s that have been made for the punishment of suicide or attempted suicide. It is however a crime to cause or aid in a suicide. NMSA 30-??-??



Suicide is a nationwide health

problem. It is documented that nearly 30,000 persons kill

themselves annually in the United States.

The true figure is probably more than twice that

number:

During the last twenty years, the rate of suicide in the

United States has been about one percent of all

deaths annually.

Suicide is the eighth (8) leading cause of death in the

United States.

There are more deaths per year than those

contributed to homicide.

Suicide is a nationwide health problem. w It is documented that nearly 30,000 persons kill

themselves annually in the United States. w The true figure is probably more than twice that

number: w During the last twenty years, the rate of suicide in the

United States has been about one percent of all deaths annually.

w Suicide is the eighth (8) leading cause of death in the United States.

w There are more deaths per year than those contributed to homicide.

The Democracy of Suicide

It knows no discrimination relative to

race, color, creed, age or sex.

Suicide is the eight leading cause of

death in the United States

The Democracy of Suicide w It knows no discrimination relative to race, color, creed,

age or sex. w Suicide is the eight leading cause of death in the

United States

Adolescence

Suicide is the third leading cause of

death among young people ages 15-24.

The suicide rate among adolescents

has risen more than 200 percent since

1950’s.

It is estimated that about 400,000

adolescents attempt suicide each year.

Adolescence

w Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24.

w The suicide rate among adolescents has risen more than 200 percent since 1950’s.

w It is estimated that about 400,000 adolescents attempt suicide each year.



Elderly

Seniors over 65 have the largest suicide

rate.

The suicide rate among seniors is 50

percent higher than the national

average. Fifteen seniors commit

suicide each day, while approximately

1,000,000 attempts are made by all

people.

Elderly w Seniors over 65 have the largest suicide rate. w The suicide rate among seniors is 50 percent higher

than the national average. Fifteen seniors commit suicide each day, while approximately 1,000,000 attempts are made by all people.

Officers

Officers themselves are at a higher risk

for suicide than the general population.

The number of officers committing

suicide doubled from 1980 to 1990.

When a police suicide occurs, the

impact reaches far beyond the victim.

The event shakes the very core of law

enforcement-to preserve life, not

destroy it.

Officers w Officers themselves are at a higher risk for suicide than

the general population. w The number of officers committing suicide doubled

from 1980 to 1990. w When a police suicide occurs, the impact reaches far

beyond the victim. w The event shakes the very core of law enforcement-to

preserve life, not

PTSD in Officers

PTSD in Officers



Physical Signs

Jumpiness: startle at sudden sounds or movement

Tension: aches, pains; trembling, poor coordination

Cold sweat; dry mouth; pale skin; eyes hard to focus

Feeling out of breath; hyperventilating until fingers

and toes go numb or cramp

Upset stomach; vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,

frequent urination

Fatigue: feel tired, drained; takes effort to move

Distant, haunted, "1000" mile stare

Physical Signs w Jumpiness: startle at sudden sounds or movement

Tension: aches, pains; trembling, poor coordination

Cold sweat; dry mouth; pale skin; eyes hard to focus

Feeling out of breath; hyperventilating until fingers and toes go numb or cramp

Upset stomach; vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination

Fatigue: feel tired, drained; takes effort to move Distant, haunted, "1000" mile stare

Cognitive Signs

Difficulty making decisions

Confusion

Disorientation

Poor concentration

Memory loss, especially for recent events

Unable to perform multiple tasks

Flashbacks (either visual or auditory)

Cognitive Signs

Difficulty making decisions

Confusion

Disorientation

Poor concentration

Memory loss, especially for recent events

Unable to perform multiple tasks

Flashbacks (either visual or auditory)

Emotional signs

Grief

Guilt

Depression

Anger

Resentment

Anxiety/fear

Feelings of numbness

Feelings of being overwhelmed

Constant second guessing/self doubting

Feeling detached from reality

Emotional signs

Grief

Guilt

Depression

Anger

Resentment

Anxiety/fear

Feelings of numbness

Feelings of being overwhelmed

Constant second guessing/self doubting

Feeling detached from reality



Behavioral Signs

Decreased job performance

Withdrawn from friend/colleagues/family

Outbursts (either crying or laughing)

Changes in normal humor patterns

Excessive talkativeness or silence

Hyperactive behavior

Behavioral Signs

Decreased job performance

Withdrawn from friend/colleagues/family

Outbursts (either crying or laughing)

Changes in normal humor patterns

Excessive talkativeness or silence

Hyperactive behavior

Peer actions

Remove officer from scene as soon as possible.

Help them notify their family that they are safe.

Reassure officer that their symptoms are normal.

Allow and encourage officer to talk. It is important to

let them tell and retell story, over and over.

Reassure officer that you and his friends will support

them.

Encourage friends to contact officer and listen to him.

Encourage family to listen to officer. Officer should be

given plenty of fluids (no alcohol/coffee).

Peer actions g Remove officer from scene as soon as possible. g Help them notify their family that they are safe. g Reassure officer that their symptoms are normal. g Allow and encourage officer to talk. It is important to let

them tell and retell story, over and over. g Reassure officer that you and his friends will support

them. g Encourage friends to contact officer and listen to him. g Encourage family to listen to officer. Officer should be

given plenty of fluids (no alcohol/coffee).

Peer actions

Officer should eat a healthy meal when able --

avoiding junk foods.

Officer should do physical exercise as soon as able.

Keep officer informed about on-going investigation

and case facts.

Encourage officer to attend a Critical Incident Stress

Debriefing with a qualified police mental health

professional within 72 hours of the incident.

• NOTE: chest pain, hyperventilation, rapid heart

beat, shock, and heart arrhythmia's all indicate

need for medical evaluation as soon as

possible.

Peer actions g Officer should eat a healthy meal when able -- avoiding

junk foods. g Officer should do physical exercise as soon as able. g Keep officer informed about on-going investigation and

case facts. g Encourage officer to attend a Critical Incident Stress

Debriefing with a qualified police mental health professional within 72 hours of the incident.

• NOTE: chest pain, hyperventilation, rapid heartbeat, shock, and heart arrhythmia's all indicate need for medical evaluation as soon as possible.



DO NOT

Second guess officer.

Say "Everything will be fine".

Try to protect him/her by withholding

information (do use judgment).

Give too much advice.

Make promises and not follow up.

DO NOT

Second guess officer. Say "Everything will be fine". Try to protect him/her by withholding information (do

use judgment). Give too much advice. Make promises and not follow up.

•I have been where you fear to go...

I have seen what you fear to see...

I have done what you fear to do...

All these things I've done for you.

I am the one you lean upon...

The one you cast your scorn upon...

The one you bring your troubles to...

All these people I've been for you.

The one you ask to stand apart...

The one you feel should have no

heart...

The one you call the man in blue...

But I am human just like you.

And through the years I've come to

see...

That I'm not what you ask of me...

So take this badge and take this gun...

Will you take it? Will anyone?

And when you watch a person die...

And hear a battered baby cry...

Then so you think that you can be

All those things you ask of me...?

• I have been where you fear to go... I have seen what you fear to see... I have done what you fear to do... All these things I've done for you. I am the one you lean upon... The one you cast your scorn upon... The one you bring your troubles to... All these people I've been for you. The one you ask to stand apart... The one you feel should have no heart... The one you call the man in blue... But I am human just like you.

• And through the years I've come to see... That I'm not what you ask of me... So take this badge and take this gun... Will you take it? Will anyone? And when you watch a person die... And hear a battered baby cry... Then so you think that you can be All those things you ask of me...?



Suicide

Suicide

Warning signs of suicide.

Feelings of hopelessness (things won't change) or

helplessness (I can't change things).

Withdrawing from friends, family, and/or normal

activities.

Previous attempts. The more serious the prior

attempt, the more a person is at risk.

Talking or writing about suicide or death, either

directly or indirectly.

Depression

Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.

Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.

Warning signs of suicide. w Feelings of hopelessness (things won't change) or

helplessness (I can't change things). w Withdrawing from friends, family, and/or normal

activities. w Previous attempts. The more serious the prior attempt,

the more a person is at risk. w Talking or writing about suicide or death, either directly

or indirectly. w Depression w Changes in eating or sleeping patterns. w Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. w Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.

Warning signs of suicide

Fatigue or loss of energy.

Low self esteem, making negative comments about

self, or feelings of worthlessness.

Experiences drastic changes in behavior.

Loses interest in their personal appearance

Writing a suicide note.

Writing a will.

Giving away prized possessions.

Warning signs of suicide w Fatigue or loss of energy. w Low self esteem, making negative comments about

self, or feelings of worthlessness. w Experiences drastic changes in behavior. w Loses interest in their personal appearance w Writing a suicide note. w Writing a will. w Giving away prized possessions.



Warning signs of suicide

Amazing reversal: This is a sudden elevation

in mood; paradoxically, a depressed person

may suddenly appear better or "at peace"

after they have made a decision to end their

life.

Takes unnecessary risks

Had recent severe losses

Increases their use of alcohol or drugs

Warning signs of suicide w Amazing reversal: This is a sudden elevation in mood;

paradoxically, a depressed person may suddenly appear better or "at peace" after they have made a decision to end their life.

w Takes unnecessary risks w Had recent severe losses w Increases their use of alcohol or drugs

Questions to ask to evaluate

suicidal risk. Have you been having thoughts of hurting yourself?

Have you ever thought of hurting yourself?

Have you ever attempted to hurt yourself?

Have you ever wished you were dead?

Have you ever wished or tried to kill yourself?

Have you ever threatened to commit suicide?

Questions to ask to evaluate suicidal risk.

w Have you been having thoughts of hurting yourself? w Have you ever thought of hurting yourself? w Have you ever attempted to hurt yourself? w Have you ever wished you were dead? w Have you ever wished or tried to kill yourself? w Have you ever threatened to commit suicide?

If the person is actively

Suicidal ask Do you have a plan?

Are the means at hand?

Have you decided when you will do it?

Then determine whether or not the method is lethal.

• The presence of a suicide plan is a more important indicator

of immediate suicide risk than is the amount of apparent

distress.

• A person calmly resolved to end his or her life will be harder

to befriend back toward living than will a wildly distressed

person with strong suicidal feelings but no considered plan

of action

If the person is actively Suicidal ask w Do you have a plan? w Are the means at hand? w Have you decided when you will do it? w Then determine whether or not the method is lethal.

• The presence of a suicide plan is a more important indicator of immediate suicide risk than is the amount of apparent distress.

• A person calmly resolved to end his or her life will be harder to befriend back toward living than will a wildly distressed person with strong suicidal feelings but no considered plan of action



What you can do

Take the threat seriously

Believe and trust your suspicions that the person may

be self-destructive

Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about

suicide

Listen! Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the

feelings

Be nonjudgmental

Be empathetic

Get involved. Become available. Show interest and

support

Don’t dare him or her to do it

What you can do w Take the threat seriously w Believe and trust your suspicions that the person may

be self-destructive w Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about

suicide w Listen! Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the

feelings w Be nonjudgmental w Be empathetic w Get involved. Become available. Show interest and

support w Don’t dare him or her to do it

What you can do

Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you

Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support

Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not

offer empty assurances

Take action. Remove means, such as guns or

stockpiled pills

Get help from persons or agencies specializing in

crisis intervention and suicide prevention

What you can do w Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you w Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support w Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not

offer empty assurances w Take action. Remove means, such as guns or

stockpiled pills w Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis

intervention and suicide prevention

What not to do

Don’t give advice

Don’t dare him or her to "do it.”

Don’t act shocked

Don’t allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy

Don't lecture, blame, or preach to person

Don't criticize person or their choices or behaviors

Don't debate the pros and cons of suicide or whether

suicide is right or wrong

Don't be misled by the person telling you the crisis is

over

What not to do w Don’t give advice w Don’t dare him or her to "do it.” w Don’t act shocked w Don’t allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy w Don't lecture, blame, or preach to person w Don't criticize person or their choices or behaviors w Don't debate the pros and cons of suicide or whether

suicide is right or wrong w Don't be misled by the person telling you the crisis is

over



What not to do

Don't deny the persons suicidal ideas

Don't try to challenge for shock effects

Don't leave the person isolated, unobserved, and

disconnected

Don't be passive. Keep calm

Don't overreact

Don't get sidetracked on extraneous or external

issues or persons

Don't glamorize, martyrize, or glorify, suicidal

behavior, past or present

Don't forget to follow up if possible

What not to do w Don't deny the persons suicidal ideas w Don't try to challenge for shock effects w Don't leave the person isolated, unobserved, and

disconnected w Don't be passive. Keep calm w Don't overreact w Don't get sidetracked on extraneous or external issues

or persons w Don't glamorize, martyrize, or glorify, suicidal behavior,

past or present w Don't forget to follow up if possible

First Response to an

attempted suicide

First Response to an attempted suicide

Control and intervention

Identification and handling of disturbed

persons to

• Effectively calm a crisis situation,

• Prevent harm to the subject or others, and

• Assist the subject in obtaining further help.

The key in the process is

communicating a willingness to listen

and a degree of understanding to the

disturbed person.

Control and intervention

w Identification and handling of disturbed persons to

• Effectively calm a crisis situation, • Prevent harm to the subject or others, and • Assist the subject in obtaining further help.

w The key in the process is communicating a willingness to listen and a degree of understanding to the disturbed person.



Operational Safety Measures:

Maintain a position of safety• Cover and concealment are necessary in suicide cases as

they are in any high-risk situations because suicides often

involve weapons.

Firearms are most commonly used to commit suicide.

• The officer should not approach a suicidal person who has a

weapon in his or her hand.

• The officer should, when the situation warrants it, have his or

her weapon drawn.

• The officer should be aware of the “suicide-by-cop”

syndrome, wherein the suicidal person deliberately provokes

the officer into using deadly force.

Operational Safety Measures: w Maintain a position of safety

• Cover and concealment are necessary in suicide cases as they are in any high-risk situations because suicides often involve weapons.

w Firearms are most commonly used to commit suicide. • The officer should not approach a suicidal

person who has a weapon in his or her hand. • The officer should, when the situation warrants

it, have his or her weapon drawn. • The officer should be aware of the “suicide-by-

cop” syndrome, wherein the suicidal person deliberately provokes the officer into using deadly force.

Operational Safety Measures

(Con’t) Notify dispatcher and request appropriate backup and

medical personal.

Develop an initial intervention plan.

Advise backup and medical units of circumstances.

Confine and isolate the situation.

Delay rapid actions (time is a tool; use it as much as

possible).

Remain calm.

Be aware of the environment (look for weapons/potential

weapons).

Note entrances and exits and swing of the doors.

Survey site damage (this may indicate degree of violence).

Operational Safety Measures (Con’t) w medical personal. w Develop an initial intervention plan. w Advise backup and medical units of circumstances. w Confine and isolate the situation. w Delay rapid actions (time is a tool; use it as much as

possible). w Remain calm. w Be aware of the environment (look for

weapons/potential weapons). w Note entrances and exits and swing of the doors. w Survey site damage (this may indicate degree of

violence).



Techniques to approach

and/or calm a person whom

may attempt suicide.

Techniques to approach and/or calm a person whom

may attempt suicide.

Use the person’s first name or

nickname. When asking about a person’s name it is important to

find out what he/she prefers to be called. (e.g. “Do

you like to be called John or is there another name

that you prefer?”) Most people will respond to that

kind of question because it is a courtesy that shows

respect

very low sense of self-esteem or someone who is

acting out in sudden rage,

• this person may be wielding power for the first time in his/her

life.

• Thus referring to such a person by a first name or nickname

could challenge his/her illusion of power.

Use the person’s first name or nickname. w When asking about a person’s name it is important to

find out what he/she prefers to be called. (e.g. “Do you like to be called John or is there another name that you prefer?”) Most people will respond to that kind of question because it is a courtesy that shows respect

w very low sense of self-esteem or someone who is acting out in sudden rage,

• this person may be wielding power for the first time in his/her life.

• Thus referring to such a person by a first name or nickname could challenge his/her illusion of power.

Suicidal people can be

manipulative• They will threaten self-destruction to make

the other person feel guilty or sorry and

thereby obtain what they want.

• Domestic Disputes

Suicidal people can be manipulative

• They will threaten self-destruction to make the other person feel guilty or sorry and thereby obtain what they want.

• Domestic Disputes



When making a request, keep

it very simple and direct.

The slower the pace of communication

in such situations, the longer it will last

and the more likely it is to be

successful.

When making a request, keep it very simple and

direct. w The slower the pace of communication in such

situations, the longer it will last and the more likely it is to be successful.

Techniques used to calm

and or stabilize a situation

involving a suicide attempt.

Techniques used to calm and or stabilize a situation

involving a suicide attempt.

Good communication skills

are the most effective tool an

officer can have. Effective communication techniques are nonphysical

tools to calm and resolve a crisis and to make contact

with someone who is emotionally disturbed.

Be quiet after asking a question:

• listen carefully as you question the subject.

Remember suicide situations are unstable. In

addition to the risk of suicide, there is the risk of

homicide. These situations should be continually

evaluated.

Good communication skills are the most effective tool

an officer can have. w Effective communication techniques are nonphysical

tools to calm and resolve a crisis and to make contact with someone who is emotionally disturbed.

w Be quiet after asking a question: • listen carefully as you question the subject.

w Remember suicide situations are unstable. In addition to the risk of suicide, there is the risk of homicide. These situations should be continually evaluated.



Suicide Guidelines

Get as much information on the subject as possible

and put it in your report.

• Medical Professionals, Hospitals

• Medications

• Emergency Contacts

• Method

• Positive things (family, friends, interests)

• Negative things (work, spouse, losses)

Any information that would aid in a second response

Suicide Guidelines w Get as much information on the subject as possible

and put it in your report. • Medical Professionals, Hospitals • Medications • Emergency Contacts • Method • Positive things (family, friends, interests) • Negative things (work, spouse, losses)

w Any information that would aid in a second response

Suicide Guidelines (Cont)

Most suicidal people are not out of touch with reality.

The suicidal person’s overriding feeling is

hopelessness; they see suicide as the only way out

of their problems.

Suicidal persons may get others to kill them (the

police).

In general, rushing in to rescue a suicidal person

increases the risk to everyone.

Don’t make any sudden moves except as a last

resort.

Suicide Guidelines (Cont) w Most suicidal people are not out of touch with reality. w The suicidal person’s overriding feeling is

hopelessness; they see suicide as the only way out of their problems.

w Suicidal persons may get others to kill them (the police).

w In general, rushing in to rescue a suicidal person increases the risk to everyone.

w Don’t make any sudden moves except as a last resort.


Remove people/things that upset the person; bring in

people/things, which calm down the person.

Protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Prepare, have a plan.

Maintain at least a 6 ft. reactionary distance (gap)

until you’re ready to act.

Stand at an oblique angle with gun side turned away

from the subject, so weapon is not exposed. Use the

field interrogation stance.

Always watch the hands, as they are the delivery

system, if the subject is going to harm himself/herself

or the officer.


w Remove people/things that upset the person; bring in people/things, which calm down the person.

w Protect yourself from becoming a victim. w Prepare, have a plan. w Maintain at least a 6 ft. reactionary distance (gap) until

you’re ready to act. w Stand at an oblique angle with gun side turned away

from the subject, so weapon is not exposed. Use the field interrogation stance.

w Always watch the hands, as they are the delivery system, if the subject is going to harm himself/herself or the officer.




Do not challenge the subject’s delusions.

Don’t negate the seriousness of the crisis the causes

misunderstanding, evokes hostility, causes subject to

be embarrassed.

Always write a report

ASK “Are you suicidal or wanting to hurt yourself”

Don’t be afraid to Tactically Retreat and Call in

SWAT

Suicide Guidelines (Cont) w Do not challenge the subject’s delusions. w Don’t negate the seriousness of the crisis the causes

misunderstanding, evokes hostility, causes subject to be embarrassed.

w Always write a report w ASK “Are you suicidal or wanting to hurt yourself” w Don’t be afraid to Tactically Retreat and Call in SWAT

Conducting investigation of

a suicide attempt

Conducting investigation of a suicide attempt

Conducting investigation of a

suicide attempt

If upon arrival of the police officer on the

scene of a suicide attempt the subject is

conscious, the officer should try to

ascertain the following information from

both subject and others who may be

present, or have knowledge of the

subjects state of mind!

Conducting investigation of a suicide attempt w If upon arrival of the police officer on the scene of a

suicide attempt the subject is conscious, the officer should try to ascertain the following information from both subject and others who may be present, or have knowledge of the subjects state of mind!



What significant events have

occurred within last 48 hours? Domestic Dispute

Crisis event

Medical Diagnosis

What significant events have occurred within last 48

hours? w Domestic Dispute w Crisis event w Medical Diagnosis

Has the subject experienced a

significant loss? Loss of a job in the last six months.

Has his/her relationship broken up in the last

six months?

Divorce, separation, or death of a spouse (the

suicide rate of the divorced and widowed is

higher than that of the married).

Does he/she have a close friend or family

member who has died in the last six months?

Has the subject experienced a significant loss? w Loss of a job in the last six months. w Has his/her relationship broken up in the last six

months? w Divorce, separation, or death of a spouse (the suicide

rate of the divorced and widowed is higher than that of the married).

w Does he/she have a close friend or family member who has died in the last six months?

Is he/she currently worried

about any major problems? Has had serious financial or family problems?

Has he/she given away personal possessions

recently?

Has he/she or anyone close to him/her have

serious medical problems?

Does he/she fear the loss of their job?

Is he/she currently worried about any major

problems? w Has had serious financial or family problems? w Has he/she given away personal possessions

recently? w Has he/she or anyone close to him/her have serious

medical problems? w Does he/she fear the loss of their job?



Does he/she have any

psychiatric history? Any psychiatric hospitalization?

Current psychotropic medication?

Outpatient psychotherapy within the last six

months?

Does he/she have any psychiatric history? w Any psychiatric hospitalization? w Current psychotropic medication? w Outpatient psychotherapy within the last six months?

Does he/she have a history of

drug or alcohol abuse? Has he/she ever been arrested for Driving

Under the Influence?

Has alcohol or drugs ever caused problems

in his/her life like losing a job, causing fights

with a girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband or

damaging your health?

Has anyone ever been upset by or

complained of his/her alcohol or drug abuse?

Does he/she have a history of drug or alcohol abuse? w Has he/she ever been arrested for Driving Under the

Influence? w Has alcohol or drugs ever caused problems in his/her

life like losing a job, causing fights with a girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband or damaging your health?

w Has anyone ever been upset by or complained of his/her alcohol or drug abuse?

Does the subject hold a

position of respect? Criminal indictment

You need to know the nature of the subject’s

employment and if he/she holds any elected

office. Certain people who are in the public

eye or whose professions hold public respect

(e.g. public officials, doctors, lawyers, police

officers, executives, etc.) may be more prone

to attempt suicide when arrested or when an

arrest is forthcoming. An arrest is likely to

damage their image and jeopardize their job

or position.

Does the subject hold a position of respect? w Criminal indictment w You need to know the nature of the subject’s

employment and if he/she holds any elected office. Certain people who are in the public eye or whose professions hold public respect (e.g. public officials, doctors, lawyers, police officers, executives, etc.) may be more prone to attempt suicide when arrested or when an arrest is forthcoming. An arrest is likely to damage their image and jeopardize their job or position.



Subject is thinking about

killing him/herself.

Listen for comments such as:

• I want to kill myself.

• I won’t be a burden anymore.

• I have nothing to live for.

• I will always feel this way.

• No one will miss me when I am gone.

It is OK to ask

Subject is thinking about killing him/herself. w Listen for comments such as:

• I want to kill myself. • I won’t be a burden anymore. • I have nothing to live for. • I will always feel this way. • No one will miss me when I am gone.

It is OK to ask

Subject has had a previous

suicide attempt. (80% of all persons who kill themselves have made

at least one previous attempt to kill themselves.)

Subject feels there is nothing to look forward to.

They feel like giving up trying to make things better

for themselves.

They state they have nothing to look forward to.

Look for the signs and symptoms of depression that

you have previously learned in other sections. Most

important you need to be attuned to the subject’s

nonverbal expressions and behaviors to identify signs

of depression (e.g., crying, (especially men) posture,

lethargy.)

Subject has had a previous suicide attempt.

w (80% of all persons who kill themselves have made at least one previous attempt to kill themselves.)

w Subject feels there is nothing to look forward to. w They feel like giving up trying to make things better for

themselves. w They state they have nothing to look forward to. w Look for the signs and symptoms of depression that

you have previously learned in other sections. Most important you need to be attuned to the subject’s nonverbal expressions and behaviors to identify signs of depression (e.g., crying, (especially men) posture, lethargy.)



Conducting the initial

investigation of a suicide.

Conducting the initial investigation of a suicide.

Treat Like a Homicide

Investigation

With the lack of an eyewitness, a

conclusion of suicide can only be drawn

after

• a careful study of the type of injury,

• the presence of the weapon or instrument

of death,

• the existence of a motive, and

• elimination of a theory of murder, accident,

or natural causes.

Treat Like a Homicide Investigation w With the lack of an eyewitness, a conclusion of suicide

can only be drawn after • a careful study of the type of injury, • the presence of the weapon or instrument of

death, • the existence of a motive, and • elimination of a theory of murder, accident, or

natural causes.

Determine

Type of injury.

Position and awkwardness.

Combination of methods.

Extent of the wound.

Direction of wound.

Hesitation Marks

Stippling

Painfulness.

Disfigurement considerations.

Presence of a weapon.

Suicide Note

Determine w Type of injury. w Position and awkwardness. w Combination of methods. w Extent of the wound. w Direction of wound. w Hesitation Marks w Stippling w Painfulness. w Disfigurement considerations. w Presence of a weapon. w Suicide Note




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Conclusion: In conclusion this instruction is intended to give the cadet/recruit a basic understanding of Suicide. The cadets will gain basic knowledge on different types of behaviors a suicidal subject may possess. The cadets will also gain knowledge on ways to respond to a suicidal subject.



COURSE AUDIT

SECONDARY INSTRUCTOR: SUPPORT STAFF (i.e.: Scenario Managers, Role Players, etc): DATE(S)/ TIME(S) OF INSTRUCTION: LOCATION OF INSTRUCTION:

RECOMMENDED CURRICULUM CHANGES:



COURSE AUDIT (Continued)

If course content other than the NMDPS TRD approved Basic or PST academy curriculum is taught, the alternative curriculum must be submitted to the Law Enforcement Academy Deputy Director’s office and approved prior to delivery of the alternative instructional materials. Alternative curriculum was taught. Accreditation number of alternative curriculum:

SIGNATURE DATE

Primary Instructor

Reviewed by Program Coordinator

Reviewed by Bureau Chief

Reviewed by LEA Director or Designee

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS: (If any portion of the course content was not presented, indicate the specific content here)

Documents

Officer Suicide Lesson Plan Instructor Guidenmlea.dps.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Block-3/... · Officer Suicide Lesson Plan Instructor Guide . Suicide Instructor Guide